Bremener in Namibia: Football Family Matter
- WINDHOEK,Namibia — What began as a simple kick-about in a dusty Windhoek neighborhood has blossomed into a thriving football academy,thanks to the dedication of a family wiht roots...
- The Ribeights football project emerged organically in the Gorangab district, a densely populated area characterized by corrugated iron homes and unpaved roads.
- I think that is realy a family for many,” Anne Marcus said, emphasizing the project's role as a supportive community.
Namibian Football Project: A Bremen Woman’s Transcontinental Dream
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WINDHOEK,Namibia — What began as a simple kick-about in a dusty Windhoek neighborhood has blossomed into a thriving football academy,thanks to the dedication of a family wiht roots stretching back to Bremen,Germany. Anne Marcus, a 38-year-old originally from Bremen, traded the northern German city for the vast landscapes of southern Africa two decades ago. Now, she and her Namibian husband, Nixon, are spearheading a unique football initiative in the heart of Windhoek.
Humble Beginnings in Gorangab
The Ribeights football project emerged organically in the Gorangab district, a densely populated area characterized by corrugated iron homes and unpaved roads. Nixon Marcus and his brother, David Nakutwima, regularly played football there. Their games soon attracted the attention of local children. “Can you make a team for us?” the children asked, according to Anne Marcus. This simple request sparked the creation of Ribeights, named after the area’s slope and a small river. Today, approximately 150 children participate in regular training sessions.
“I think they are very happy to come. Because that’s more than one project. I think that is realy a family for many,” Anne Marcus said, emphasizing the project’s role as a supportive community. While she describes herself as not notably athletic, she is passionate about supporting her husband’s and the children’s enthusiasm for the sport.
Anne Marcus manages the project’s social media presence and other background tasks. Nixon Marcus and his brother oversee the training and games. Nixon, who spent his childhood in the former East Germany, where he developed a love for football, now works as a lawyer in Windhoek.
From thorny Patch to Playable Pitch
The project’s growth has been a grassroots effort. Nixon Marcus recalls the early days: “At the beginning there were thorns around the square. And you played once and the balls were broken. So the idea came: Can’t we ask someone who makes a little bit of bushes? And afterwards: Can’t you smooth the place a bit? And so the whole thing was created.”
A local construction contractor, impressed by the project’s mission, volunteered his services, using heavy machinery to transform the uneven slope into a large, playable field.
Success on and off the Field
Nixon Marcus proudly notes the progress of the young players, with some now competing in Namibia’s second division. Though, he stresses that football serves as a vehicle for building confidence and fostering hope. “Where they live here in this poverty,hope is not very great. But when you have won the successes, where our teams have won against established teams, which means a lot to the kids and young people,” he said.
Education Beyond the Game
Recognizing the importance of academics,the couple established a container classroom where children can complete their homework. this initiative addresses parents’ concerns about balancing sports with schoolwork. Junior,a 14-year-old participant,stated,”Education comes first and then football. That’s why I like it here.”
The project receives financial support from a foundation and a construction company based in Bruchhausen-vilsen, germany. Anne and nixon Marcus are actively seeking additional funding to expand their programs. To facilitate donations from Germany, they have established Riverhängt Football Academy Germany Ev, a German-based non-profit organization.
future Plans: An Education Village
The couple envisions a thorough “education village” with multiple containers serving as a library, smart classroom, and additional learning spaces. A kitchen is already under construction, awaiting a roof. “The idea is that we have different containers. One for a library, a smart classroom or onyl classrooms where the kids can learn in the afternoon and evening. If we get the sponsors for it. Then it will be a real education Village,” Nixon Marcus explained.
The couple plans to use their next trip to Germany to connect with potential sponsors and further promote their football academy.
Namibian Football Dreams: Anne marcus and the Ribeights Project – A Q&A
The story of the Ribeights football project in Windhoek, Namibia, is a testament too the power of community, perseverance, and the unifying force of sport. Spearheaded by Anne and Nixon Marcus, this initiative is transforming lives through football and education.Let’s explore their journey in this Q&A.
The Ribeights Football Project is a football academy located in the Gorangab district of Windhoek, Namibia. It was founded by Anne and Nixon Marcus to provide children with opportunities through sports, education, and community support. launched from a simple kick-about in the area, it has grown into a thriving hub for approximately 150 children.
Anne Marcus, originally from Bremen, Germany, moved to Namibia two decades ago. Her husband, Nixon, is Namibian and a lawyer by profession. Their motivation stemmed from a desire to support the local children and create a positive environment.They saw the potential of football to build confidence and foster hope in a community facing challenges like poverty. Anne manages the project’s social media presence, and other background tasks, with Nixon and his brother overseeing the training and games.
The project emerged organically. Nixon and his brother, David Nakutwima, started playing football in Gorangab. This sparked interest from the local children, who asked them to start a team. Initial challenges included the lack of a proper playing field. As Nixon recalls, “At the beginning there were thorns around the square.” Early solutions involved clearing the area and seeking help from a local construction contractor who volunteered his services to level the field.
The impact is meaningful.The project provides a safe and supportive environment for children. It builds confidence through football and offers hope through victories. Some players are now competing in Namibia’s second division. Moreover, the academy addresses parents’ concerns about balancing sports and academics.
Recognizing the importance of education,the couple established a container classroom where children can complete their homework. This enables the children to keep up with their schoolwork and encourages the emphasis on keeping education a priority. As Junior, a 14-year-old participant, stated, “Education comes first and then football.”
The project receives financial support from a foundation and a construction company based in bruchhausen-vilsen, Germany. anne and Nixon are actively seeking additional funding to expand their programs and has established Riverhängt Football Academy Germany Ev,a German-based non-profit organization to faciliate donations.
The couple envisions creating an “education village” with multiple containers serving as a library, smart classroom, and additional learning spaces. They are actively working on building a kitchen.They plan to visit Germany to connect with potential sponsors and promote the academy.
The project is a pillar of support for the local community and provides numerous benefits:
- Building confidence and promoting hope.
- providing a safe and structured environment for children.
- Offering a platform for children to focus on progress through sports and education.
- Developing football skills and fostering teamwork.
- Supporting parents by offering a way to address education concerns.
- Encouraging academic dedication and progress through educational activities.
The project benefits from donations to help the children, their education, and the facilities. If you are interested in supporting the project, Anne and nixon Marcus have established Riverhängt Football Academy Germany Ev, a German-based non-profit organization to facilitate donations.